Top
Pick. If you don't already own the
revolutionary LeapPad, this latest model is the one to buy.
Although the same as its LeapPad cousin in most ways, the
big difference is found in its magic pen--and what it can do
to expand the LeapPad system's learning power.

Children can still use the
little laptop's magic pen to point at hotspots on books'
pages for a reaction. The "plus" in the name of
this toy, however, allows them to write with the pen as
well.

For
more information about the original LeapPad, see our review here.
The LeapPad Plus Writing comes with two interactive
books: Interactive Book 1 and Interactive Writing Book. With
these starter books, kids learn an assortment of facts about
science, geography, foreign languages, phonics, and more.
With the writing sampler book, children practice drawing
shapes, writing letters and numbers, spelling words, and
more.

Note
that although the books in the package will entertain and
educate for a while, parents are more than likely to feel
the need to buy more books for the system.

This
electronic toy is appropriate for children ages 3-7 or 8.
For children ages 8 and up, consider the Quantum
Pad Learning System, also by LeapFrog.

UPDATE
2004:Note that there are a
number of LeapPad versions available. Last year, LeapPad Plus Writing
was released, and the latest version released this year is LeapPad Plus Writing and Microphone.
These two latest versions are backwards compatible. In other
words, they will accept any LeapPad book, whether or not the
books are microphone-enabled. Common sense suggests
purchasing this latest version with the writing and
microphone features.

Pros:

Tried-and-true system
with added features--the ability to write letters,
words, numbers, and to draw shapes.

Portable unit with a
long life span.

Both educational and
entertaining.

Plenty of add-on books
available.

Cons:

With additional interactive book
purchases, the system is a tad pricey.